Innovation in Construction and Demolition Waste Selection for the Production of High-Quality Recycled Aggregates

Italian production of construction and demolition waste (CDW) reached about 62 million tons in 2022. Despite the high recovery rate (79.8 percent), most of the treated CDW is stored waiting to be used. In most cases, the recycled aggregates (RAs) resulting from CDW processing turn out to be of low quality and mostly destined for “low-grade” applications (road and railway pavements, civil engineering works, backfills or environmental recoveries). The use of RAs in so-called "high-grade" applications, such as concrete production, is unfortunately limited today by several factors, including the type and origin of RAs, their mechanical properties (often lower than those of natural aggregates) and the potential release of contaminants. In fact, concrete production requires an RA that has similar performance to natural aggregate. This is the main objective of the Life CDW Circle project, co-funded by the European Union and presented in this paper, which aims to achieve total recycling and use of treated CDW, thanks to an innovative sorting technology that allows the separation of different aggregate fractions (aggregates, bricks, tiles, etc.) and the production of RAs with high added value. During the experimental activities, the resulting RAs will be characterized and used for concrete production. After the experimental phase, the project partners will develop appropriate business models, creating an ecosystem with sector stakeholders. The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of CDW and RAs production and use in Italy. In addition, the new Life CDW Circle project structure and objectives will be presented.